Asus ROG Phone 8 has recently dropped to around 6 million IDR, approximately $400 USD, for brand-new units with official warranty. This price cut sparks an important question: is it still worth buying, especially with the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset dominating the market? For gaming enthusiasts seeking powerful performance without a premium price tag, this phone remains highly relevant.
The design of ROG Phone 8 has shifted from bulky gaming aesthetics to a more streamlined, user-friendly form. Measuring just 8.9mm thick and weighing 225 grams, it offers comfortable handling for extended gaming sessions. This is a notable improvement compared to previous models like the ROG Phone 6 and 7, which approached 10mm in thickness.
Display Quality and Protection
The ROG Phone 8 features a 165Hz refresh rate display, which outperforms the more common 144Hz screens in delivering smooth gameplay experiences. While the next model, ROG Phone 9, pushes to 185Hz, the 8’s screen still offers excellent responsiveness for competitive gaming. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and carries an IP68 rating, matching premium smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S series. This assures durability against daily scratches and impacts.
Performance Benchmarks and Gaming Capabilities
Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the ROG Phone 8 was initially priced at around $730 USD, reflecting its flagship level. Recent benchmarks reveal an AnTuTu v11 score of 1.5 million points, with GPU scores near 824 thousand. Geekbench single-core and multi-core scores of 2,200 and almost 7,000 respectively highlight robust processing power.
The real-world gaming tests underline this strength. PUBG Mobile runs smoothly at 120fps with an average of 106fps, consuming just 4.25 watts of power. Genshin Impact maintains 60fps with an average of 58fps at 4 watts, demonstrating efficient performance. Other titles like Call of Duty and Mobile Legends also achieve top frame rates without stuttering. Even graphically demanding games such as Wuthering Waves maintain an average of 56fps, though occasional dips below 30fps may occur. Roblox performs well with averages near 49fps, accommodating casual gaming perfectly.
Battery Life and Efficiency
The phone houses a 5,500mAh battery which balances capacity and the phone’s slim design. Gaming drains the battery noticeably — 15% for 30 minutes of Genshin Impact, 12% for PUBG, and 9% for Mobile Legends. However, for media consumption such as Netflix or YouTube, battery usage drops significantly to about 3% per half hour. This consumption rate is typical for gaming phones with high-end specs and fast refresh rate displays.
Software and AI Features
Out-of-the-box, it shipped with Android 14 but has now been updated to Android 15. Asus guarantees two years of updates, ensuring one more upgrade to Android 16. This commitment enhances the phone’s longevity. The X Sense AI gaming feature further refines gameplay by improving pattern recognition. It enables automatic in-game actions such as running, unfreezing, and skipping dialogue in supported titles, making gaming sessions smoother and more immersive.
Camera Performance
While the ROG Phone 8’s cameras are not its highlight, they still offer respectable quality for everyday use. The main shooter is a 50MP lens with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), accompanied by a 32MP telephoto lens also with OIS. Photos tend to be slightly oversaturated but acceptable for casual photography. Video recording benefits from a six-axis stabilizer, delivering smooth and stable footage even during movement. The front camera records 1080p at 30fps with decent dynamic range, though skin tones look a bit pale.
Value Proposition
At the current price of around $400, the Asus ROG Phone 8 offers remarkable value for a gaming phone. There are few competitors in this price range that match its top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance. Additionally, the established ROG ecosystem enhances the user experience with accessories like dedicated coolers, consoles, and premium pouches. For gamers looking for a powerful device without breaking the bank, this phone remains a compelling choice in late 2025.
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